Chelou Rice

Chelou rice is the most popular recipe in all of Iran. This fluffy rice taste great with just about anything. Adding sumac on top of the finished rice is also something very common. When using the towel you must be careful not to let it touch your oven eye. And also never lift the cover from the rice, that tends to be the secret for this perfect rice.

2 cups basmati rice
8 cups water + 1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons salt
1/4 cup butter

1.Wash and clean rice and allow to soak in water for 15 minutes. In an 8-quart saucepan on high heat add 8 cups water. Allow to come to a full boil then add salt and rice. Allow to boil for 5 minutes. Remove rice from heat and drain water in a colander. Add half of butter and 1/4 cup water back to pan and reduce heat to medium. Add rice and then pour remaining butter on top. Cover with a small kitchen towel and then a tight fitting lid. Allow to cook on medium for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook for 15 minutes.

Yields: 4-5 servings